Behind the Tools: Jim Mosteller

Who’s behind the tools at HURST Jaws of Life? It’s engineers like Jim Mosteller. “My hair was black when I started working here,” jokes Jim, whose mostly white hair and wire-rimmed glasses complement his professorial title of Manufacturing Engineer. Jim joined HURST 29 years ago and says things have changed a lot since then.

“Technologically, things have changed a lot,” he said. “There’s always new challenges addressing safety and new technology. It’s a very dynamic market. And we’re leading.”

He’s right. HURST, which is the original rescue tool and the only Jaws of Life, also brought the market battery-powered rescue tools that provide the same power as traditional hydraulic rescue tools. The new SP 777E2 that launched this year is the most powerful 32-inch battery-powered spreader on the market. And that’s something to brag about.

One secret ingredient that propels HURST in its success is its people. Whether they’re in the plant designing and assembling or out on the street selling and training with first responders, the people behind the tools are an example of how innovation, teamwork and passion can make a product the best of the best.

There’s always new challenges addressing safety and new technology. It’s a very dynamic market. And we’re leading.

As a bridge between manufacturing and engineering, Jim supports production and works with the people and machines that craft the product. And day in and day out, he always gives his best.

“I have friends who work in defense and other important jobs, but it’s different here,” he said. “It could be my family that needs it. It’s all about saving lives.”